Mining machine



March 15, 1932. F. @Am-...DGE 1,849,276

MINING MACHINE Filed May 28, 1926 Patented Mar. 15, 1932 UNITED-A STATES PATENT OFFICE',`

FRANK CARTLIDGE, F CINCINNATI, OHIO, ASSIGNOR, T0 SULLIVAN MACHINERY COM- PANY, CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MINING MACHINE Application led May 28, 1926. Serial No. 112,402.

This invention relates to mining machines and more particularly to mining machines of the flexibly fed, continuous cutter, room and pillar type adapted to be'fed as a Whole and upon a bottom surface thereof relative to the coal face to cut a substantially horizontal lrerf thereunder.

The primary object of this invention is to provide an improved mining machine havof parts. Another object of this invention is to provide an improved mining machine of the vertical motor type wherein the height of the motor substantially determines the height of the machine, the motor being of a low compact design. A further object of my invention is to provide an improved mining machine of the laterally fed, continuous cutter type having an improved vertically extending motor disposed at the rear end of the machine frame and improved transmission means driven from the upper end of this motor for the cutting mechanism and feedmechanism including for the latter proeration. A still further object of my invention is to provide improved means for expelling the cuttings drawn back into the machine by the cutter chain. Yet another object of the invent-ion is the provision of a low and compact machine having improved feed operating 'and truck driving mechansms. A more specific object is the provision of improved feeding and truck driving mechanisms adapted to be actuated by the same end of a machine motor and to occupy a minimum vertical space. With these objects in view this invention resides in the novel features of con-struction, formation, combination, anc arrangement of parts to be hereinafter described, claimed, and illustratively disclosed inthe accompanying drawings.

In these drawings, in which one form of the invention is shown for purposes of illustration, 1

Fig. l is a side elevation ofthe illustrative embodiment of my improved mining machine mounted in transport position on its transport truck. y

ing a low and compact general arrangementV vision for plural predetermined speed op-V Fig. Q is an enlarged planvievv of the machine shoivn in Fig. l, a portion of the frame being brokenV away to illustrate details of the feeding mechanism. l

'F ig. 3 is a central longitudinally extending vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. substantially on' line 4-4 of Fig. 2, illustrating a portion of my improved feeding means and truck drivingmeans.

Fig. 5 is a detail View, taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 2, illustrating a portion of the feed gearing. p Y

i Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view illustrating the specific roller bearing structure for the cuttings expulsion device.

^ In this illustrative construction I hav shown a mining machine of the flexibly fed, room and pillar type, generally designated l, normally slidable on its own bottom on the mine bottom and adapted to be transported about the mine upon a truck frame`2 which is in turn mounted on suit-able Wheels 3 and adapted to be propelled over the mine tracks 4f in a usual manner. As shown, the Wheels 3 are connected byv a suitable driving connection 5herein preferably in the form of a chain and sprocket connection, and the Wheels are also operatively connected toa laterally extend truck driving sprocket 6 carried on the machine, to be hereinafter more fully described, by means of a chain connection 7 cooperating With a correspondingsprocket 8 preferably on an axle of the rear truck Wheel. As usual, the electric current for driving the machine and the truck is also conducted through a cable adaptedto be Wound on a usual electric cable reel 9 carried at the rear of the truck and driven from the truck Wlheels, as through a suitable chain and sprocket connection 10 operatively connected to one of the axles and to a friction roller lljengaging thevexternal periphery of the reel flange as clearly shown inl Fig. l.l v

In my improved construction it Will be observed that the machine l specifically comprises a generally rectangular elongated machine frame l2 having a bottom plate 13 slidable onthe mine bottom and also hav- 4.- isV a detail sectional vieW talrenv ing rigidly secured thereto at its forward end a forwardly projecting plane cutter bar 14, the cutter bar being rigidly secured to the machine frame by suitable connections and 16. As shown, housed within a chamber 1'? formed within the rear end of the machine frame 12 is a motor of improved form, genorally designated 18, herein preferably of the reversible electric type and comprising a vertically disposed armature 19 suitably secured to an armature shaft 20, the latter being journaled at its lower end within suitable bearings 21 while the upper end thereof is journaled in a depending bearing 22 formed on a detachable cover plate 23 closing the upper open end of the chamber 17. The frame 12 is cut away as at 21a to receive the sup porting hub for the bearings 21. This vertically disposed motor is of improved con-- struction and the height thereof is reduced to a minimum by extending the bearings 21 and 2 respectively into the opposite recessed ends of the armature. As shown, the armature 19 rotates within suitable pole pieces 24, cer-V tain of which are carried by a detachable frame section 25 held in position by bolts 2G, the frame being split vertically as at 2T to permit rearward removal of the frame 25 and of the armature 19. VBy permitting the removal of the frame section 25 and the armature 19 rearwardly, the motor may be dismantled in exceedingly low coal, it being possible to remove the armature and its bearings bodily with t-he frame section as hereinafter fully described. In accordance with this invention the upper end of the armature shaft 2O has secured thereto by a key 28, va spur pinion 29 and this pinion meshes with a large intermediate spur gear 30 journaled on a vertically disposed stud 31 suitably secured to the machine frame 12. The intermediate gear 30 meshes with a larger spur gear 32 keyed, as at 33, to a shaft 34 disposed vertically within the forward end of the machine frame, the shaft being jour naled at its upper end in a suitable bearing 35 carried within a detachable cover plate 3G which forms a housing for the transmission gears 29, 30 and 32, and also in ball bearings 37 carried within a transversely extending bearing support or plate 38 suitably supported at its opposite ends on the sides of the machine frame. The lower end of the shaft 34 is journaled within suitable bearings 39 and 40 carried within the lower portion of the machine frame. As shown, keyed, as at 41, atY the lower end of the shaft 34 is a sprocket 42 which cooperates with and drives a suitable cutter bit carrying cutter chain43, the latter being adapted to be circulated about the outer edges of the cutter bar 14 in a usual manner. lf desired, usual clutch may be interposed between the n' `1L- and cutterchain sprocket to permit running' of the motor while the sprocket remains idle.

.41s suoli clutches are well known in the art and are not claimed herein, detail descrip- Vtion and illustration of the saine is deemed unnecessary. ln this instance it will be observed that the cutter chain sprocket 42 is c isposed within a chamber 44 extending longitudinally through the lower part or bed portion of the machine frame, and this chamber is adapted to receive the cuttingsl or slack coal brought back from the korf by the rapidly moving cutter chain. To permit the expulsion of the cuttings from this chamber and to prevent the clogging of the cutter chain, the side of the frame is cut away, as at 45 (see Fig. 1), at the receding side of the machine, and furthermore, improved cuttings egress means generally7 designated 46 are also provided and such means comprise an expulsion device 47 disposed in the chamber 44. The expulsion device 47 has a cylindrical body portion 48 journaled, by means of roller bearings 49 carried within annular grooves or races 50 formed in the body portion 48, on the portions of the frame 25 and the irame 12 which form the casing of the motor 18. It will be observed that to obtain an exceedingly compact structure the motor fields and armature project wit-hin the expulsion device 47, the latter surrounding the motor casing. rl`he expulsion member 47 is cen trally vertically split as at 51 to permit its removal from the motor frame, and the two parts thereof are held together by means oi bolts 52. In accordance with this invention the body portion 48 of the cuttings expulsion device has formed integral therewith radially extending arms or vanes 53 which are adapted to scoop up the cuttings brought back by the cutter chain and expel them from p the rear end of the chamber 44. is illustrated. formed on the upper end of the body 48 of the expulsion device are teeth 54 which form a sprocket which is connected by a chain connection 55 to a drive sprocket 55a disposed within the chamber 44 and secured to the shaft 34. rl`his chain is provided with a detachable link to permit its removal from the sprocket 54. lt will thus be evident that when it is desired to remove the motor arma- Y ture the chain connection 55 is detached from the sprocket 54, the bolts 52 released, and the expulsion device 47 removed from the motor casing. The bolts 26 are then removed and the frame section and the armature are re and 'i' 9 are of course detached from the clutch operating rods hereinafter described.

In specifically describing my improvedY feeding and truck driving` mechanism, itwill be observed that formed on the vertically dis posed shaft 34 intermediate its ends are worm teeth 56 which mesh with teeth formed on aworm gear 57 loosely journaled on a horizot-nal shaft 58 extending transversely of the machine frame and journaled therein at its opposite ends in suitable bea-rings 59 and 60, the latter bearings being carried by a detachable cover plate 61 suitably secured to the advancing side of the machine frame. The ball bearing 37 receives the upward thrust of the worm 56. lThe shaft 58 has secured thereto, as at 62, by a key and screw connection the truck driving sprocket 6, the latter being disposed at the forward end of the receding side of the machine frame. As shown, the worm gear 57 has securedthereto a laterally extending sleeve portion 63 which carries a series of friet-ion clutch disksl 64 which are interleaved with a corresponding series of friction clutch disks 65 carried by a clutch housing member 66 splined, as at 67, in operative sliding relation with the shaft 58. The housing 66 has formed thereon a flanged portion 68 with which a pivoted shipper yoke 69 cooperates, the yoke 69 being adapted to be swung about its pivot by means of a suitable reciprocable actuating rod 70 extending longitudinally of the machine and having an operating handle 71 conveniently located at the rear end thereof. From the foregoing description it will be evident that when the clutch housing 66 is moved axially of the shaft 58 it thereby causes frictional engagement of the clutch disks 64 and 65, thereby connecting the worm gear 57 in operative driving relation with the shaft 58. As shown, loosely journaled on the shaft 58 is a spur gear 73 having jaw clutch teeth 74 and 75 formed respectively on the opposite faces thereof. rlhe gear 73 is provided with a grooved hub portion 76 with which a pivoted shipper yoke 77 cooperates, the shipper yoke 77 being adapted to be swung about its pivot by means of a reciprocable actuating rod 78 extending longitudinally of the machine and having an operating handle 79 conveniently located at the rear end of the machine at the opposite side of the latter from the operating handle 71. Disposed between the worm gear 57 and the slidable spur gear 73 and loosely journaled on the shaft 58 is a spurgear 80 which meshes with an intermediate spur gear 81 which in turn meshes with a spur pinion 82 suitably secured to a transversely disposed shaft 83 suitably journaled as at 84 within the machine frame. Suitably secured to the shaft 83 at the end thereof opposite from the pinion 82 is a spur gear 85 which is meshed with a spur pinion 86 formed on the shaft 58. Formed on the spur gear 80 are jaw clutch teeth 87 with which the clutch teeth 75 are adapted to cooperate, while formed on the spur pinion 86 are jaw clutch teeth 88, which are adapted to cooperate with the clutch teeth 74, and meshed with the spur gear 73 is a spur gear 89 suitably secured to a. horizontal shaft disposed parallel with and in the rear of the shaft 58. The transverse support member 38 is cut away at 89n to clear the spur gear 89. Suitably secured to the shaft 90 at the advancing side of the machine frame is a' feed operating member 91, herein preferably in the form of a chain sprocket. Fromthe foregoing description it will be evident that the truck driving member 6 rotates at the same angular speed as the shaft 58 when the clutch 64, 65 is applied, and that the speed of truck drive may be varied atwill by slipping the disks' of this clutch. It will also be evident that when the clutch teeth 74 and 88 are interengaged the feed sprocket 91 may be driven from the pinion 86 through gears 7 3l and 89 in one direction at a relatively fast or machine moving speed, while if the clutch teeth 87 and 75 are interengaged the feed sprocket 91 may be driven through spur pinion 86, spur gear 85, shaft 83, spur pinion 82,

intermediate gear 81, gear 80, gear 73, and gear 89 in the opposite direction at a relatively slow or cutting` speed. It will therefore be obvious that the feed sprocket may be driven in opposite directions selectively at a fast or at a slow speed at the will of the operator and without reversing the motor. Cooperating with the feed sprocket 91 is a flexible feeding member 92 herein preferably in the form of a loose-link feed chain. The advancing portion 93 of-this feed chain is adapted to be anchored at its free end at a point in advance of the advancing side of the machine and extends laterally from its anchor around a front rotatable guide sprocket or swing arm 94 disposed at the front advancing corner of the machine frame, the chain then extending longitudinally of the ma.- chine below and around a rotatable guide sprocket 95 disposed on an axis parallel with the axis of the feed sprocket 91 and slightly below and in the rear thereof. rlhe feed chain extends from the guide sprocket 95 below Yand around the feed sprocket 91, then rearwardly around the rotatable guide sprocket 96 disposed on an axis slightly inclined relative to the vertical at the rear advancingcorner of the machine. The feed chain then extends from the sprocket 96 around rotatable `guide sprockets 97 and 98 disposed on vertical axes at the rear of the machine, the receding portion 99 of the feed chain being anchored at vits free end at the receding side of the machine to a suitable anchor or take-up device (not shown). Usual resistance and controller devices having any suitable controlling means may be located in a chamber 100 formed Within the frame 12.

ln the operation of this improved mining machine, it will be observed that when the machine is mounted upon the truck as shown in Fig. 1, the operator may cause the motor to propel the truck after suitable manipulation of thel controlling handle 71, swinging the shipper voire 69 about its pivot and applying the friction clutch 64, 65, the latter being thrown in or out to connect or disconnect the shaft 58 to or rom the motor at will. Obviously by controlling the loading or slippage of the friction clutch 64, 65, the speed of the truck movement be varied at will. However, when it is desired to unload the Vmachine from the truck, the receding portion of the feed chain 92 is connect-ed to the feed sprocket 9i and to a point adjacent 'the face. The operator then manipulates the handle 79 connecting the feed sprocket 9i to the fast speed drive, consequei 4ly moving the machine from the truck and over the mine bottom relatively to the feed chain at a fast speed to tho corner of the 'room adjacent the face and the right hand rib. rlie high speed orive is then thrown out L.nd after the advancing portion of the feed chain is disposed in a suitable manner acont the face the slow speed drive of the sprocket 91 thrown in and t 1e cutter bar sumped in under the coal at a cutting speed. The free end of the advancing portion 93 of the feed chain is then anchored at the left hand rib ano the machine is then straightened up and fed transversely of the face at a slow or cutting speed. it the end of the transverse cut the machine is inclined relative to the face and after suitable disposition of the feed cha i the cutter bar is with- .LLL

` drawn from beneatn the face at a cutting mum of expense.

"f so speed. It will be observed that upon suitable slippage of the friction clutch 64, 65, both the fast moving feeding speed and the slow cutting speed may be varied.

As a result of my improved construction it will be observed that an exceedingly simple, compact and rugged mechanism is produced, utili ing a relatively small number of parts and adapted to be manufactured at a miniv L it ention is also directed to the factithat through my improved compact arrangement and construction of parts, the machine is readily adapted to use in mines having low veins. lt will also be noted that by means of vny improved bearing arrangement for the motor armature and by journaling the cuttings expulsion device directly on the motor casing, an improved mining machine ofthe vertical mot-or type is pr `vided wherein the height of the machine is reduced to a minimum. These and other advai ges of my invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

While l have in this application specifically described one form which my invention may assume in practice, it il be understood that this form of the same has been shown for purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit orvthe scope of the appended claims.

hat l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a mining machine, a machine frame,

a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame and including an armature having recessed ends and rotatable on a vertical axis, the height of the motor being substantially only that requisite to thepo-wer producing function of the motor and substantially determining the height of the machine, said frame having motor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said armature, and feeding and cutting mechanism driven by said motor, said cutting mechanism including a cutter bar projecting from said frame and whose uppermost and lowermost portions lie in planes intersecting said motor.

2. ln mining machine, a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried at the rear end of said .frame and including an armature having recessed ends and rotatable on a vertical axis, the height of the motor being substantially only that requisite to the power prochicing` function of the motor and substantially determining the height of the machine, said frame having motor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said armature, and cutting and lfeeding mechanism disposed at the forward end of said frame and driven by said motor, said cutting mechanism including a horizontal plane cutter bar projecting from said frame and whose uppermost and lowermost portions lie in planes intersecting said motor.

3. In a mining machine, a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame at the rear end thereof and including an armature having recessed ends and rotatable on a vertical axis, the height of the motor substantially `determining 4the height of the machine, said frame having motor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said armature, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain driving sprocket disposed in front of said motor and a forwardly projecting cutter bar, and feeding means included substantially within the vertical limits of and driven by said motor including a feed operating member rotatable on a horizontal axis, and operative driving connections between said motor and said cutter chain sprocket and said feed operating member.

il- In a mining machine, a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame and including an armature having recessed ends and rotatable on a vertical axis, the height of the motor substantially determining the height of the machine, said frame having motor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said armature, feeding means for the machine including a feed operating member, and truck driving means driven by said motor including a truclry driving member rotatable on a horizontal axis, and operative driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member and said truck driving member.

lll 5 5. In a mining machine', a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame and including an armature having recessed ends and rotatablel on a vertical axis at the rear end of the frame, the height of the motor substantially determining the height of the machine, said frame having motor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said armature, feeding means for the machine including a feed operating member, and truck driving means driven by said motor including a rotatable truck driving member disposed at the front end of the frame, and operative driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member and said truclz driving member.

6. In a mining machine, a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame and including ak rotor having recessed ends and rotatable on a vertical aXis, the height of the motor being substantially only that requisite to the power producing function of the motor and substantially deterg` mining the height of the machine, said frame having rotor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of lsaid rotor, and feeding and cutting mechanism driven by the upper end of said motor, said cutting mechanism including a cutter bar whose uppermost and lowermost portions lie in planes intersecting said motor.

7. In a mining machine, a machine frame, Y

a vertically disposed motor carried by the rear end of said frame and including` a rotor having recessed ends and rotatable on a vert1- cal axis, the. height of the motor being substantially only that requisite to the power producing function of the motor and substantial` 1y determining the height of the machin-e, said frame having rotor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said rotor, feeding mechanism driven by said motor including a feed operating member disposed at the forward end of said frame, and operative driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member, and cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a cutter bar whose uppermost and lowermost portions lie in planes intersecting said motor.

8. In a mining machine, a. machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame at the rear end thereof including a rotor having recessed ends and rotatable on a vertical axis, the height of the motor being substantially only that requisite to the power producing function of the motor and substantially determining the height of the machine, said frame having rotor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said rotor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a cutter chain driving sprocket disposed in front of said motor, and a forwardly projecting cutter bar whose top and bottom surfaces lie in planes intersecting said motor, operative driving connections between said motor and said cutter chain drive sprocket, feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate with flexible feeding means, and operative driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member including speed changing mechanism.v

9. In a mining machine, afmachine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame and including a rotor having recessed ends and rotatable on a t vertical axis, the height of the motor being'substantially only that requisite to the power producing function of the motor and substantially determining the height of the machine, said frame havingrotor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said rotor, andv feeding and cutting mechanism driven by said motor and disposed substantially within the vertical limits of the latter, said cutting mechanism including'a cutter bar whose Vuppermost and lowermost portions lie in planes intersecting said motor. n i

10. In a mining machine, a motor casing, a vertically disposedv rotor disposed within said casing and having recessed ends, said'casing having rotor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said rotor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, and a cuttings expulsion device journaled on said motor casing and completely surrounding the motor.

l1. In a mining machine, a motor casing having a cylindrical bearing portion, a vertically disposed rotor disposed within said casing and having recessed ends, said frame having rotor bearings projecting within the recessed ends of said rotor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor, and alcuttings eX- f pulsion device Vjournaled on the cylindrical bearing portion of said motor casing and completely surrounding the motor.

12. Ina mining machine, a machine frame adapted to rest upon and slide in any direction over the mine floor, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame, the vertical dimension of said motor being substantially only that requisite toits power producing function and substantially determining the height of the machine, feeding and cutting mechanism driven by said motor and included within the vertical limits of said motor, said l the vertical dimension of said motor being only that requisite to its power lpreducing function and substantially determining the height of the machine, feeding and cutting mechanisms driven by said motor included ivithin the vertical limits thereof, said cutting Y mechanism including a horizontal plane cutl terbar projecting forwardly from said frame and `Whose uppermost and loivermost portions lie in ho iZontal planes intersecting said motor, and truck driving means driven by said motor-and also included Within the vertical limits thereof, said truck driving means being` disposed at the forward end of said machine frame and including va rotatable truck driving member ,and operative driving connections between said truc-lz driving member and said motor. l f Y 14. Ina mining machine, a machine frame adapted to rest upon and slide in any direction over the mine floor, a motor carried at the rear end of said frame, the vertical dimension of said motor being only substantiall'y that requisite to its power producing function and substantially determining the height ofthe machine, feeding` and cutting mechanisms -driven by said motor and included Within the vertical limits thereof, s 'd cutting mechanism including. horizontalplane cutter bar projecting forwardly from said frame and Whose uppermost and lowermost portionslie in horizontal planes intersecting said motor, and 'truck driving means driven by said motor and also included Within vthe vertical limits thereof, said truck driving means including` 'a rotatable truck 'driving Velement carried at the forward end of said tion overa mine bottom, amotor disposed atv one end o f said frame and substantially determiningthe height 'of the machine, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including a cutter bar disposed at the other end of said frame and Whose uppermost and lowermost portions lie in planes intersecting` said motor,

Vfeeding means driven by said motor, and

truck driving means driven, by said motor including a rotatable truck driving element disposed at the end of said frame adjacent said cutter bar in planes above fthe bot-tom surface of said motor. i y

17. In a mining machine, a machine frame adapted to restnpon and slide in any direction over a mine bottom, a motor disposed at isz-19,276

one end of said frame, 'cutting mechanism driven by said motor including acutter bar disposed at the other end of said frame,feeding means driven said motor, and truck driving means driven by said motor includring a truck driving element rotatable on ahorizontal axis and disposed in advance of said motor at the end of said frame acent cutter bar.L

I8.v In a mining machine, a vertically disposed m'otor carried by the rear end of said frame and substantially determining the at the front end of frame in planes above the bottom surface of said motor.

19. In a min'ingmachine, a vertically disposed motor carried by the rear end of i frame, feeding means driven by said motor, and truckl driving means driven by said motor including a truck driving element rotat able on a horizontal airis and dispos-ed in advance of said motor at the front end of said frame. Y

20,. In a mining machine, a machine frai'ne, a vertically disposedinotor carried by said frame, cutting mechanism including a. Aforwardly projecting cutter bar, and feeding means -for saidmachine disposed between said motor and the end of the frame from which said cutter bar projects operative to effect cutting feed thereof parallel to a mine face and driven by said motor including a horizontal transverselyextending shaft, gearing for connecting said shaft'to said 4motor a second shaft parallel with said shaft, gearing connecting said shafts, a feed operating inember connected lto said second shaft, and a truck driving member driven from one of said shafts.

21. In a mining machine, a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame, cut-ting mechanism including afor- Wardly projecting cutter bar, and feeding means for said machine dispose-d beten-,enz said motor and the end of the frame from 'which saidy cutter bar .projects operative 'to effect cutting feed thereof `parallel to .a mine face and drivenby said motor including'a horizonl tal transversely extending shaft,-;gearing vfor connecting said shaft to saidmotcr, a second shaft parallel With said shaft, change-speed gearing connecting said shafts, -a feed operating member connected to said second sha-ft,

and a truck drivingmember driven from oneV of said shafts.

22. Ina mining machine, a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor carried by said frame, and feeding means driven by said motor including a transversely extending lli@ horizontal shaft, gearing connecting said shaft to said motor, a friction clutch for connecting said gearing to said shaft, a second shaftparallel with said shaft, gearing connecting said shafts, a feed operating-member connected to said second shaft, and a truck driving member driven from one of said connecting said shaft to the upper end of` said motor, a manually controllable friction clutch for connecting said gearing to said shaft, a second shaft parallel with said shaft, change-speed gearing connecting said shafts, and a feed operating member connected to said second shaft.

24. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, comprising a cutter chain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting, a motor Whose height substantially determines the height of the machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain and operatively connected thereto, the uppermost and lowermost portions of said bar lying in planes intersecting said motor, means for feeding said machine laterally including feed operating means disposed on a horizontal axis in front of said motor and operated thereby and flexible feeding portion acting on the opposite ends of the machine frame, and truck driving means disposed forward of said motor driven by th-e latter.

25. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottomI comprising a cutter chain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting, a motor Whose height substantially determines the height of the machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain and operatively connected thereto, the uppermost and loWermost portions of said bar lying in planes intersecting said motor, means for feeding said machine laterally including a feed operating member operatively connected to said motor and rotatable on an axis disposed horizontally on said machine and on the advancing side thereof in front of said motor and flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine frame, and truck driving means disposed forward of said motor driven by the latter.

26. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising a front frame portion, cutting mechanism including a cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said portion during lateral cutting, lat-eral fe ding mechanism including a feed operating member carried on the advancing side of said frame portion on a transverse axis, a plurality of flexible feeding portions, and directing means for said portions including a guide rotatable on a vert-ical in front of said member, a motor connected to said portion and disposed in rear of said bar and member and connected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member, said motor and bar being so disposed that the height of the former substantially determines the height of the machine, and a truck driving member also driven by said motor and rotatable 0n an axis transverse to said machine frame.

27. The combination with a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting at 'one end of said machine, lat-eral feeding mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending traiisvcrsely 'of the same end of the machine and cooperating' flexible feeding means, of a truclr driving member at theV same end of the machine, and. a motor disposed in the rear of said members and operativ-ely connected to saidL cutting mechanism and to said feed operating member and truck driving member and disposed at the opposite end of said machine.

28. rlhe lcombination With amining machinev slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a4 cutter carrying bar projecting at one end of said machine, lateral feeding mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extendin transversely of the same end of the machine and cooperating flexible feeding means, a truck driving member at the same end of the machine, and a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and to said feed operating member and truck driving member and disposed at the opposite end of said machine, said .mo-

tor, feed operating member, and truck drivl ing member being so disposed that the axis of the latter is below the top and in the `front of the motor.

29. The combination With a mining machin-e slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting at one end of said machine, lateral feeding mechanism including a` feed operl ing member rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the'same end of the machine and cooperating flexible feeding means, a truce` driving member at the same end of the machine, and a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism and to said feed operating member and truck driving member and disposed at the opposite end of said machine, said motor, feed operating member, and truck driving member being so disposed that the tops of said members are lsubstantially Vithin the vertical limits of said motor and in front of the lat-ter. i

30. The combination'wthl a mining ma-l chine slidable on it bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism i a cutter carrying bar projecting end of said machine, of lateral feeding mechanismrincluding a feed operating nicmer rotatable on an axis extending transversely lof the same end of the machine, and cooperating flexible feeding means, a truck driving member at the front end of said machine, and a y motor operativ-ely connected to said cutting versely of the machine, a cooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end of the machine and to the face being cut, and cooperating iiexible feeding means acting on the opposite ends of the machine including a flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member and laterally therefrom, of truck driving means disposed at the front end of said machine, and of a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, said feed operating member, and said truck driving means and disposed between said cutting mechanism, said feed op,w @rating member, and said truck driving means and the opposite end of the machine.

32. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carryingcutter bar projecting .at one end of said machine, and a cutter chain sprocket at the inner end of said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operatingmember rotatable on an' axis substantially lying in a plane parallel with the face and not nearer the face than the sprocket axis, a cooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end of the machine and to the face being cut, and cooperating flexible feeding means acting on the opposite ends of the machine including a. flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member and laterally therefrom, of truck driving meanspdisposed at the front end of said machine, and of a. motor operatively connected to .and disposed in the rear of said sprocket, said feed operating member and said truck driving means and disposed between said sprocket, said feed operating member and said truck driving means and the opposite end of the machine.

38. rlhe combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom onv a. mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain Y carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of said machine, and a cutter chain sprocket at the inner end of said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extending parallel with the face and transversely of the machineand disposed on the advancing side of the machine and on the same side of the axis of said sprocket, a cooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end of the machine on the advancing side thereof, and flexible feeding means acting on the opposite ends of the machine including a flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member andlaterally therefrom, of truck driving means disposed at the forward end of the machine and including a truck driving member rotatable on an axis transverse tothe machine frame, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket, said feed operating member and said truck driving member and disposed between said sprocket, said feed operating member and said truck driving member and the opposite end of the machine.

34. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying` cutter bar projecting at one end of said machine, and a cutter chain sprocket at the inner end of said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operating member on the advancing side of the machine rotatable on an axis extending parallel with the face and transversely of the machine and disposed in .a plane in rear of a parallel plane including` the axis of said sprocket, a cooperating guiding member disposed in front of said last mentioned plane and closely adjacent the front end of the advancing side of the machine, and cooperating iiexible feeding means acting on the opposite ends of the machine including a flexib-le feeding portion extending from said feed operating member around said guiding member and laterally therefrom, of truck driving means disposed at the forward end of the chine and including a truck driving member rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the machine, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket, said feed operating member and said truck driving member and disposed between said sprocket, said feed operating member and said truck driving member and the opposite end of the machine.

35. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of

lthe machine and a cooperating cutter ,chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine l along a face 'When said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis not nearer the face than the axis of said sprocket, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member and` disposable in a. single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine, and a guiding member for said llexible'feeding member so disposed adjacent the point Where the bar projects from the' machine and so cooperating' with said flexible member between the feed operating member and said point of' fixation as to direct said flexible vmember along the face from substantially the point from which the bar projects from the machine and to said point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and close- .ly adjacent to the face, of `truck driving means disposed at the forward end of said inachine and including a truck driving member rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the machine, and of a motor operatively connected to and disposed in the rear of said sprocket, said feed operating member, and said truck driving member and disposed between the opposite end of the machine and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket,

said feed operating member and said truck driving member. Y 36. The combination ma mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, ofY

cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cut-ter `chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed saidmachine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cutting along the face on an axis disposed in rear of a plane parallel to the face and including the sprocket axis, a flexible feeding member cooperating With said feed operating member and disposable in a single strand connection to a fixed point injuxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible feeding member so disposed between the feed operating member and the point Where the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating `with said flexible member between the feed operating member and said point of fixation as to direct said flexible member along the face from the point from which the bar projects from the machine and to said point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to a face,lof truck driving means disposed at the-forward end of the machine including a 4truck driving member rotatable von` 'an axis extending transversely of the machine, and of amotor operatively connected to 'said sprocket, said feed operating member and said truck `driving member Y and disposed between the opposite fend ofthe machine; and 'the' 'portion "thereof carrying said'sprocket, said'feed vop'rafting member andv said truck driving member.v

The'

siidabe ci n on minebottom, of cuttingmechanismincluding a cutter chain carrycutter-fbar projecting Tat oneend of the machine and a cooperating cutter chaindriving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mecha'- Anism operative to feedsaid machine; along a co'iibinatic'n 'in a mining machine nlV face When said bar projects into theface, j

said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable duringcutti'ng along the face on an axis disposed parallel'to the plane of the bar andinia planeparallel to the face and located on said axis'on the advancing sideI of the sprocket` axis, a flexible feeding member ccoperatingvvith said feed operatmember and disposable in a single strand connection to alix'edpoint in juxtaposition to the face and in advance ofthe machine,

anda guiding member for said flexible feedf ing member so disposed betvveen the feed operating member and the vpoint Where'the bar projects from the machine and'so cooperating with said flexible member between the feed operating member and Vsaidpoint of fixation as to direct lsaid flexible member along the face from the pointfro'm Which the bar projects from the machine and to said point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closelyadj'acent to the face, of truck driving means disposed at lthe forward 'end `of' the machine and including av truckdriving member rotatable on `an axis extending transversely ofthe machine, and of a motor operatively connectedL to ysaid sprocket, said feed operatingmember and said truckjvdriving member and disposed betweenthe opposite e'ndof` the machine and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket, said feed operating member andV said truck driving member. j j

38. The combinationin a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom, of cutting mechanism including acutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end ofV said machine and aV cooperating cutter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face Whensaid bar projects into the face, saidmechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cutting along the face on an' axis parallel to the face and `the plane of said bar, a flexible feeding memsaid flexible member winding mem guiding means for said flexible member including a guiding member so disposed relative to said feed Operating member and so cooperating with said flexible memberA between the feed operating member and said point of fixation as to direct said flexible feedingV member along the Aface to said point of fixation substantially in a plane parallel to andadj acent the face and including the point from which the bar projects, of truck driving means disposedl at vthe machine includinga truck driving ,member rotatable on la transverse axis, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and said feed operating member and said truck driving member, saidmotor and all of said previously :mentioned elements being so disposed that the height of the machine is substantially the height of said motor.

39. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, of vcutting mechanism including` a cutter chain carrying cutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including a winding member, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said winding member and disposable in a singlestrand connection to a Yfixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the ina-chine, and a guiding member for disposed adjacent said ber and the point Where the bar projects from the machine, said winding member and said cutter chain driving sprocket rotating on axes lying substantially within a plane disposed parallel to the face during cutting along the latter and said guidmember being disposed between said plane and the face, of truck driving means disposed at the forward end 'of the machine `including a truck driving'member rotatable 'on a'horizontal axis, anda motor operatively `connected 'to said sprocket, said winding member and said truck driving member and disposed between the opposite end of Athe machine and the Vportion thereof carrying said sprocket, said winding member and said truck driving member.

In a mining machine, a machine frame, a vertically disposed motor having a cylindrical portion disposed adjacent the bottom of said frameand within which a portion'of the motor elements is housed, feeding and cutting mechanisms driven by said motor, and cuttings egress means including a rotatable conveyor element arranged coaxially with the .motor and having a hollow portion within which said vbottom portion of said "motor projects.

lil. in a mining machine, a. machineframe,

v-a vertically disposed motor having a casing presenting a cylindrical portion andavithin forward end of the' which a portion ofthe motor elements is housed, feeding and cutting mechanisms driven by said motor, and cuttings egress' Lierewith, transverse shaft disposed at one lide of said worm and with which said wor i is coaxially arranged, a manually conti ollable friction clutch for connecting said wormgear to said shaft, a second transverse shaft disposed at the other side of said worin, change speed gearing connectingsaid shafts for edecting a plural predetermined speed drive of one shaft by the other, andV a feed operating member connected to said second shaft.

ln a mining machine, a frame slidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, a motor carried thereby, .and feediiigv mechanism driven by said motor including a worm rong on a. vertical axis, a worm gear mesh ing therewith, a transverse shaft with which said worm gear is coaxially arranged, said shaft being disposed in advance of said worm, a friction. clutch for connecting said wori gear to said shaft, second transmission shaft disposed iii the rear of said worin,change speed gearing connecting said shafts, and a feed operating member connected to said second shaft. i

del. ln a mining machine, a machine frame, a motor havingl a cylindrical portion of its casing disposed acent the bottom of rsaid vframe and within whiclia portion of the motor elementsy is housed, feeding and cutting mechanisms driven by said motor, and cuttings egress means including` a .rotatable conveyor surrounding said motor and having a hollow portion within which said bottoni portion of said motor casing` .project-s.

Iii a mining machine, a machine frame,l

'tion over the mine bottom, a rearwardly located motor on said frame, cutting mechanism driven by said motor an-d carried Iby said c n 1 i l. l

irame in advance of said motor and including a forwardly projecting "kerf cutter, machine feeding mechanism driven by said rmotor and on a vertical axis, a worin gear mesh# vcarriedon said frame in advance thereof and i including a 'feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible,feeding` means, and truck driving mechanism' driven by said motorincluding Va truck driving ele- 1 ment carried on the front end of said frame and disposed on a horizontal axis( a7. In a mining machine, a machine frame"` adapted to rest upon and slideiin any direction over the mine bottoni, `a vrearwardly lo,-4

wardly projecting kerf-cutter, andmachine feeding mechanism driven by said motor and carried on said frame in advance of said motor ano. including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and pluial predetermined s eed drivin 9' mechanism between said motor and said member includinga speed changing Y device having its elements arranged on axes parallel to a transverse vertical plane and a. manually operable frictional controlling clutch between said'motor and said speed changing device.

48. In a mining machine, a machine frameV adapted to rest upon and slide in any direction over the mine bottom, a rearwardly located motor on said frame, cutting mechanism driven by said motor and carried by the front end of said frame and including a forwardly projecting kerf cutter, machine feeding mechanism driven by said motor and carried on said frame in advance of said motor and including a feed operatingmember adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding, means, plural predetermined speed. driving mechanism between said motor and said member including a speed changing device and a friction controlling clutch between said motor and said speed changing device, and truck driving mechanism carried on said frame in advance of said motor and including a truck driving member also driven through said friction controlling clutch.

49. In a lowvein room and pillar mining machine, a machine frame adapted to rest upon and slide in any direction over the mine bottom, a low compact motor carried by said frame, the height of the motor substantially determining the height of the machine, cutting mechanism including a lrerf cutter pro-' jecting forwardly from said frame, feeding means for the machine including a feed operating member, and truck driving means driven by said motor including a truck drivingr member rotatable on a horizontal transversely extending axis, and operative driving connections between said motor and said feed operating member and said truck driving nember, said cutting mechanism and said feed operating member and truck driving member being disposed on said frame substantially within the vertical limits of Said motor.

50. In a lowvein room and pillar mining machine, a machine frame adapted to rest upon and `slide in any direction over the minev bottom, a lowfcompact motor carried atfthe rear end of said frame,fthe height ofl the motor substantially determining the height ofthe machine, cutting' Vmechanism -including a lrerf cutterprojecting-forwardly from'said frame, feedingmeans vfor the ma- 4chineincluding a feed operating member,

and truck driving means driven by saidniotor and disposed at the forward end of said frame including' a truck 'driving -member rotatable on a horizontal axis and disposed in advance of said'motor, and operative driv ing connections v.between said feed operating member and said truck driving memberi and saidmQtOr, said 'cutting mechanism and said feed operating memberl and truck driving member Vbeing disposed on'said frame substantially within thervertical limits ofl said motor. l i' i" 51. In a mining machine, a motor having a casing, feeding andcutting `mechanisms driven by said motor, and a cuttingsfexpulsion devicel journaled on said motor casing and completely surrounding the motor. I t

52. In a lowvein room and pillar mining machine, a machine frame adapted torest upon and slide in any direction over the mine bottom, a low compact motor'carried bythe rear end of the ,framel and substantially determining the height of the machine, feeding and cutting mechanism driven by said motor, said cutting mechanism including a cutter bar whose uppermost and lowermost portions lie in planes Vintersecting said motor, fand truck driving meansdriven by said motor including ya rotatableV truck driving element disposed at the front end of said` frame, said feeding ymechanism vand said truck driving means being disposed on 'said frame substany55. In a mining machine, a machine frame adapted toy rest upon and slide in any direction .over the'lmine bottom, a motor carried by saidl frame, cutting mechanism including a' forwardly projecting cutterpbar, and Vfeeding means for said machine 4disposed between said motor and the end ofthe frame from which said cutter bar projects operative to*` 54. In a mining machine, amachine frame adapted to rest upon Vand sli'dein any direction overV the mine bottom,a motor carried by said frame, cutting mechanism including a forwardly projecting cutter bar, Vand feeding means for saidmachine disposed between in.;v tially within thev vertical limits of saidmoi said motorl andthe end of the frame from vwhich saidvcu-tter bar projects operative'to. effect cutting feed thereof parallel to. a mine face and driven by said motor includingL a horizontal transversely; extending shaft,

gearing for connecting said shaft tofsaid mo! tor, a1 secondiV shaft parallel With said shaft, change-speed. gearing connecting said shafts a feed operatingmember connectedto said seco-nd, shaft,` and a truck driving member' driven from one of said shafts.

5.5. a mining machine7 a machine fram'e adapted to. rest uponand slide in any direction` over the. mine bottom, a motor carried by said frame, cutting mechanism' including a lerfcutter projecting forwardly fromsagid frame and feeding means driven byV said' motor including a transversely extending horizontal shaft,y gearing connecting said shaft to said motor, a friction clutch for connecting said gearing to said shaft, a second shaft lparallel with Vsaid shaft, gearing connecting said shafts, a feed operating mem'- ber connected toy said second shaft, and a truck driving member driven from one of said shafts. Y

56.A In a mining machine, a machine frame adapted to rest upon and slide in any direction` over the mine bottom, a motor carried y by said frame, cutting mechanism including a lrerf cutter projecting forwardly from said frame7 and feeding means operative to effect cutting feed thereof parallel to a mine face and driven by said motor including a transversely extending horizontalshaft, gearing connecting said shaft to theadjacent end of said motor, a manually controllable friction clutch forv connecting said gearing to said shaft, a second shaft parallel with said shaft, change-speed gearing connecting lsaid shafts for ,effecting plural predetermined speed drive of one shaft by the other, and a feed operating memberconnected to said second shaft. A I l V57., In a mining machine, a machine frame adapted to rest upon and slide in any direction. over the mine floor, a motor carriedy by said frame, feeding means driven bysaid motor, and truck driving means driven by said motor including a truck drivingelement rotatable on a horizontal axis at the forward end. of said frame in advance of said motor.

58. In a mining machine, a machine frame adapted to rest upon andl Slide in any direction over the Vmin-e floor, a motor ca ried by said frame, feeding means driven by said motor, and. truclr` driving means Vdriven by said motor including a vtruck driving element rotatable on a2 horizontal transversely eX- tending axis at the forward endof said frame in advance of said motor. Y

59. In a miningI machine,'a machine frame adapted: tov restv upon and slide in any direc` tion over the Vmine floor, a motor, cutting mechanism driven by said motor including of the machine, f-eedi a cutter bar projecting forwardly lengthwise v said motor including a truck driving element rotatable on a horizontal axis and disposed in advance of said motor at the end of saidl frame adjacent saidcutter bar.

60. In a mining machine, amachine frame feeding means driven by said motor including a feed operatingmember adapted to cooperate directly With. fleXiblefeeding means,`

vand driving means, for said feed operating member including a worm coaxial with said lrerf cutter driving element.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

FRANK cnnfrmnon.

ng means driven by said motor, and truck driving means driven by.-

lerf cutter,A andk dri-ving mechanism for said cutting .mech` anism including a driving element. disposed on a. vertical axis at the forward end off said frame inadvance of saidxmotor, 

